Origin of the School

A need was identified by parents who had children classified as Severely Mentally Disabled. These parents longed for the opportunity to place their children in a formal school setting.

One of these students, Ivan, had parents (the father) who worked for a certain Professor Johan du Preez in the Faculty of Humanities. Professor Du Preez, as he was widely known, immediately set things in motion. It was then decided that the name of the training center would be DOROTHEA, which was also the name of the professor’s wife. The name means "gift of God." At the same time, the school emblem was also chosen to be a burning torch. The flame symbolizes HOPE.

When the school building was constructed, it was decided that the building should stand out from the others in the neighbourhood and serve as a symbol of HOPE.

The school officially opened its doors in April 1985. Today, we celebrate the school's anniversary annually on April 1st.

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Our Goal

• Within a culture of high work performance and service delivery, we commit ourselves to a holistic education and development of all people in our school community – implementing a mindset for growth and excellence.

• Provide an inclusive, welcoming, caring, safe, and nurturing learning environment.

• Follow a well-balanced, learner-based curriculum that empowers learners to secure their rightful place in our community – ensuring successful integration into society.

• Increase awareness and insight into the world of work for our learners.

• Assist and guide our learners towards an awareness of social values and the acceptance of personal responsibilities – creating a disciplined and value-driven school environment.

• Expand and establish our role and responsibilities as a Special School Resource Center by continually focusing on empowering the staff to enhance the quality of self-esteem, vision for the future, purposefulness, dedication, and contribution, thereby making education accessible for all learners.

• Strengthen and expand as an Apple Distinguished School (ADS).

 

How do we want to achieve this?

• Offer a well-balanced curriculum with content that prepares learners purposefully for a quality life through quality education, allowing them to take their rightful place in the community.

• Focus on a sustainable 'exit strategy' that provides extensive career opportunities for learners.

• Efficient and effective integration of technology and digital media with traditional teacher-led classroom activities, establishing an effective e-information system.

• Within a culture of high work performance and service delivery, commit to the holistic development and growth of all individuals within the school community.

• Encourage staff to commit to personal and professional development for the benefit of the school and the community.

• Maintain a high standard of teaching by employing skilled and qualified educators.

• Acknowledge and praise staff within a healthy learning culture for fulfilling their roles and responsibilities well.

• Encourage ourselves and others to be the best we can possibly be.

• As a values-driven school, model life values for learners through our words and actions, fostering a mindset of living a meaningful life – creating a disciplined and values-driven school environment.

• Create a safe, clean, neat, and caring work environment where both staff and learners will enjoy job satisfaction.

• Ensure that necessary psychosocial support and wellbeing networks are in place.

• Build and establish visionary and strategic leadership across all levels of the school community.

• Establish and promote a well-informed, actively engaged, and dedicated School Governing Body (SGB).

• Promote and support a healthy partnership with parents/guardians as well as the broader community.

• Ensure that the wider community is sensitive, more receptive, and more involved in supporting individuals with special needs.

• Establish and strengthen sustainable partnerships with local communities, businesses, and NGOs.

• Foster an attitude in staff, learners, parents/guardians, and the broader community that treats natural resources with care, respect, and responsibility.